Eighty

Just after the Lantern Festival, the day of Hu Liancheng’s wedding arrived. The previous day had been the church ceremony, but it was the grand banquet held at the restaurant the next day that drew all the dignitaries and celebrities of Shanghai to gather in one place.

Tan Yang arrived late that day. It wasn’t intentional negligence; she had driven herself, only to find the place crowded with people and cars, making parking a troublesome affair. Bi Qingtang also arrived late, but his delay was deliberate. Sitting in his car, he watched from afar as Xu Zhizhong’s black automobile struggled to find a proper spot. He remarked sarcastically to his driver, “That Chief of Staff Xu—where did he find such an incompetent driver? It's embarrassing!”

As he spoke, the so-called “incompetent driver” stepped out of the car. Bi Qingtang was startled upon recognizing the person, and before his own car had fully stopped, he opened the door and got out. Xu Zhizhong was standing beside the car, pointing and explaining driving techniques to Tan Yang; Bi Qingtang, with a somewhat unfriendly tone, began to ask, “Chief of Staff Xu, I hear the frontlines are tense these days—short on both men and money. Is that true?”

Both Xu Zhizhong and Tan Yang turned, surprised to see Bi Qingtang. After a moment’s hesitation, Tan Yang gave Bi Qingtang a slight nod, a perfunctory greeting. Seeing this, Bi Qingtang felt as if he’d bitten into a candied hawthorn in winter—sweet on the surface, but sour at the core, then cold, bone-chilling cold. He realized that when she treated him as an enemy, his heart ached; when she treated him as a stranger, it was bitter. Perhaps, so long as he could not become her companion, the rest of his days would be full of suffering.

Xu Zhizhong, witnessing this awkward scene, quickly picked up Bi Qingtang’s thread. “Yes, Mr. Bi, your information is always astute.” Bi Qingtang, simmering with anger, replied with a sharp edge, “No wonder—even a Chief of Staff can’t afford a driver. You should have told me sooner; I’d have offered some money to hire one for you.” He glanced at Xu Zhizhong, but his gaze settled on the downcast Tan Yang, his tone harsh. “Otherwise, even if you’re willing to lose face, we’re not so eager to be made a spectacle!”

Xu Zhizhong was naturally irritated by Bi Qingtang’s words, but he saw Bi Qingtang differently now—he owed him gratitude, felt sympathy for his circumstances, and, above all, wished to avoid a quarrel that might embarrass Tan Yang. Better to let Mr. Bi’s punch land on cotton, he thought. So Xu Zhizhong suppressed his anger, smiled, and replied gently, “No, it’s just that Yang wants to learn to drive. It’ll be more convenient for her in the future.”

Bi Qingtang frowned, staring at Tan Yang, and then reproached her, “I knew it’d be you—always full of ideas. Why learn to drive for no reason, quit being a doctor to become a chauffeur? You think driving is ordinary? It’s tiring, risky—one lapse and you could cause an accident, a disaster! You’ve always been like this, even in comfort you need someone to teach you! Look around Shanghai—what respectable woman drives herself? You’d best drop this notion. If I hadn’t caught you today…”

Once he started, he found his rhythm, just as he used to when they were together: whenever they quarreled, he would scold her thoroughly. Regardless of the outcome, even if Tan Yang prevailed, whenever he got angry, she would lower her head and listen quietly, never provoking him.

This time was no different. Ten years had ingrained these habits—he behaved thus, and so did she. So, as Bi Qingtang launched into his tirade, Tan Yang listened silently, head bowed. Yet halfway through, she suddenly realized with indignation: how had enduring his temper and saving his pride become her habit?

Tan Yang abruptly raised her head and glared at Bi Qingtang. That single look left Bi Qingtang completely blank, unable to finish his words. Tan Yang, her face clouded with anger, turned and walked away without a word. And so Bi Qingtang was left standing there, abandoned, realizing in his sudden loneliness that she had understood his temperament—she endured him out of love, but she was never a submissive woman by nature.

Day after day, we become accustomed to each other’s sacrifices and concessions, believing this is the natural state of marriage. But only when it is suddenly lost do we realize that, fundamentally, we have neglected love, and in the end, love will cast us out.

Xu Zhizhong, who had witnessed the scene, was taken aback. He did not expect Bi Qingtang to wield such “authority” before Tan Yang—like an elder brother lecturing his younger sister, scolding her as one would a child. It made the title “little sister” he always used for her seem truly fitting. Though Xu Zhizhong could not agree with such a mode of interaction—it was neither equal nor fair—the familiarity of family still made him feel a pang of envy. He knew he would never dare to be so unrestrained with Tan Yang, out of his personality, his self-discipline, and his cautious and respectful love.

By the time Xu Zhizhong regained his composure, Tan Yang had already walked away, leaving him somewhat awkwardly face-to-face with Bi Qingtang. After a moment, he broke the silence, “Mr. Bi, you’ve come to celebrate Hu Liancheng’s wedding too?” Bi Qingtang nodded after a long, stiff pause. “Yes, you’re here for the wedding as well?” “Indeed—I didn’t expect so many people!” Xu Zhizhong glanced around at the rows of automobiles. Bi Qingtang gave an embarrassed laugh. “I can’t speak for others, but I had to come. I suppose I’m half a matchmaker myself!”

Tan Yang entered the restaurant alone. Hu Liancheng, who was greeting guests in the lobby, hurried over, looking at Tan Yang with a complicated expression. He whispered, “Tan, I didn’t expect you to come!” Tan Yang smiled politely. “Mr. Hu, congratulations. May you and your wife grow old together and enjoy lifelong happiness!” Hu Liancheng frowned at her words, replying gloomily, “Tan, you insist on saying things to stifle me. You must know, being this groom, I am far from happy. And,” he looked at Tan Yang meaningfully, “I know you are not happy either!”

After that dance party, Hu Liancheng had not seen Tan Yang return to the Bi residence on Fuxu Road, so he added the last remark. When he was alone, he realized he admired Tan Yang, but when she remained entangled with Bi Qingtang, he felt disdainful. Now, having married an unsatisfactory wife and started a family, he looked back at Tan Yang and suddenly found her the perfect candidate for a love outside of marriage.

When Tan Yang did not respond, Hu Liancheng lowered his head in anguish, reaching to shake her hand, gripping it tightly. Tan Yang tried to pull away, but he did not let go. Xu Zhizhong, entering the lobby, saw this scene and called out loudly, “Yang, is this Mr. Hu Liancheng?” Hearing his voice, several guests chatting in the corner turned to look at Hu Liancheng, who, startled, released Tan Yang’s hand. Xu Zhizhong cursed under his breath.

Xu Zhizhong hurried over to Tan Yang, put his arm around her shoulder, and smiled, “Why did you come in alone, not wait for me?” Before Tan Yang could reply, he nodded tersely to Hu Liancheng, “Congratulations, Mr. Hu. Yang and I are here to partake in your happiness!” These words, spoken with a stern face, were cold and intimidating. Xu Zhizhong, now accustomed to commanding troops, could make others tremble with his demeanor. Hu Liancheng was initially frightened, but then remembered he was the host. This intruder had ruined his plans and dared speak so coldly. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he glimpsed the pistol at Xu Zhizhong’s waist, glanced at the epaulets on his uniform, and the gleaming three stars instantly dispelled his rage.

Xu Zhizhong saw through Hu Liancheng’s shifting emotions and their cause, his contempt deepening beyond measure. He gave Hu Liancheng a cold glance and said, “Yang, let’s go. Mr. Hu has other ladies to entertain; we shouldn’t intrude.” With that, he led Tan Yang upstairs to the banquet hall.

Watching them leave, Hu Liancheng seethed. Women, he thought, are such low creatures: in times of peace they seek a gangster for a husband, and when war breaks out, they run into the arms of a young general. Therefore, to be a man, one must have power—if the whole world is yours, you’ll never lack women!

Bi Qingtang entered the lobby after Xu Zhizhong, but before he could vent his anger, Xu Zhizhong had already dealt with Hu Liancheng. Though it was satisfying, he felt a sense of loss and dejection, and he sighed—this Xu Zhizhong was truly a changed man.

With this thought, Bi Qingtang straightened his cuffs, full of unresolved frustration, and headed towards Hu Liancheng…

On the way upstairs, Xu Zhizhong, with a face full of dissatisfaction, said to Tan Yang, “What kind of person is that? Even on his wedding day, he dares to pull you about so blatantly. And he’s a spineless character, too—always adapting to the situation!” Tan Yang, troubled and vague, replied, “I really shouldn’t have come today!”

No sooner had they taken their seats than a commotion broke out nearby.

Most brides are beautiful, but today’s was an exception—her beauty was hardly apparent. This unremarkably beautiful bride was throwing a tantrum at her father, even striking him with her bouquet in front of everyone. Such disgraceful, disrespectful behavior shocked and disgusted the crowd. But Xu Zhizhong, in a poor mood, watched and was momentarily stunned; then his spirits lifted and he began to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?” Tan Yang asked, puzzled.

“I just remembered what Mr. Bi said to me earlier—he claimed to be half a matchmaker for Hu Liancheng!”

Tan Yang shot him a look and remained silent.

“Mr. Bi is truly a remarkable man, and his actions suit me well—I appreciate them!” He paused, looking at the embarrassed Hu Liancheng just entering, then added gravely, “Mr. Bi treats me generously, so I suspect he also appreciates me.”

Xu Zhizhong and Tan Yang had not been seated long when a table of officers nearby recognized them. Since all the senior commanders were in private rooms on the third floor, these officers rarely had a chance to approach Xu Zhizhong. Their wives ramped up their social efforts, buzzing around Tan Yang like bees, showering her with flattery—much to the annoyance of both.

Xu Zhizhong seized a moment and pulled Tan Yang away. They escaped to the hotel’s terrace, where, from the second floor, they looked down at the row upon row of automobiles. Xu Zhizhong asked, “Yang, of all these cars, which one do you think is the most attractive?” Tan Yang glanced at him and smiled, “I can’t really tell the difference. But I think the car you buy with your own money must be the best-looking!” Xu Zhizhong, somewhat displeased, took Tan Yang’s hand and called her name reproachfully, “Yang!” Tan Yang met his gaze with a smile. “Zhizhong, I appreciate your intentions. But I decided to learn to drive because last year the hospital’s income was good, and I just happened to be able to afford a car myself.”

In the private room upstairs, Bi Qingtang smoked while exchanging pleasantries with the guests. Across the table, Zou’s fourth concubine whispered into Old Zou’s ear, “Have you noticed Mr. Bi seems preoccupied today? He hasn’t stopped smoking since he entered!” Old Zou smiled, waiting for her to continue. She went on, “Remember how, half a year ago, the papers reported Mr. Bi and his wife fighting over their child? Bi Qingtang said it was all nonsense, just a little marital spat, soon to be resolved. But when I went to the restroom just now, I saw Mrs. Bi and an officer on the terrace, holding hands and speaking intimately!”

Zou’s fourth concubine was deep in gossip when suddenly Bi Qingtang laughed loudly across the table, “Fourth Concubine, have you introduced any friends to patronize our hospital lately?” His hospital, after all, was Tan Yang’s. The question left Zou’s fourth concubine momentarily baffled.

Two weeks later, one day, Xu Zhizhong saw a deep green American car parked outside Tan Yang’s hospital. Tan Yang smiled as she unlocked it. “Well? How do you like my car?” Xu Zhizhong was surprised, “When did you buy it?” “A lady who often brings her child to my clinic said her friend, a concubine, had lost her patron and couldn’t afford the car anymore. She asked if I knew anyone who wanted to buy it. I’d just learned to drive, so I took it!” Xu Zhizhong scrutinized the car, growing more perplexed as he examined it. He squatted to inspect the wheels; not a grain of sand in the tread. He checked the accelerator and brake pedals—crisp patterns, no signs of wear. Xu Zhizhong asked, “This car is just like new. Yang, how much did you pay?” “Two gold bars. I asked around; two gold bars for a used car isn’t a bad deal. Besides, the lady said although she’d had it for three years, she rarely used it. It’s almost new!”

Xu Zhizhong, hearing this, turned away and stared at the car in a daze. Just a week before, he’d ordered the exact same model from America; it was last autumn’s new release, and just the deposit had cost him two gold bars!

Realizing all this, Xu Zhizhong felt stifled. Compared to Bi Qingtang, he still lacked something—was it cunning, or insight? He really couldn’t say.

That Saturday, Tan Yang drove to pick up her daughter. Seeing her daughter’s joy at her mother driving, Tan Yang was delighted. Bi Qingtang, standing nearby, asked casually, “Why buy a used car? A new one isn’t much more expensive!” Tan Yang, holding her daughter’s hand, smiled, “How did you know it was used? Everyone else thinks it’s new. The previous owner hardly ever drove it!” Bi Qingtang smiled, proud, “I’ve ridden in cars for years—who knows them better than me? Those others can’t match me!”

Before she left, Bi Qingtang leaned in at the car window, earnestly advising, “Little sister, be careful when driving. If you’re tired, leave the car at the hospital and take a rickshaw home. If you’re upset or distracted, don’t drive at all, understand?” Tan Yang nodded, started the engine, and drove away.

That night, unable to sleep, Tan Yang recalled Bi Qingtang’s advice before she drove. She couldn’t help but sigh: studying medicine, going abroad, even buying a car to drive herself—all things Bi Qingtang had strongly opposed. Yet no matter how he objected, if she truly wanted something, he would reluctantly support her, then fuss over her, worried she might miss something.

All along, he had indulged her stubbornness, she had tolerated his temper; through the years, they had always yielded to each other, feeling aggrieved yet finding joy in it. Upon reflection, it was a strange affair indeed.

Not long after, Xu Zhizhong bought a villa near Tan Yang’s hospital. Normally, officers’ residences were sparse and temporary, since no one knew how long they’d stay in the city or when they’d be reassigned, especially during wartime. But Xu Zhizhong did the opposite—renovating the house and garden, upstairs and down, with gusto, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Zhang Ning’s wedding to Liu Fazhu was set for late March, in the gentle, humid spring of Shanghai. Zhang Ning’s elder brother, stationed on the northeastern front, sent a telegram saying he had secured leave—she was his only sister, and he must attend the wedding!

A few days before the ceremony, one evening, Tan Yang was still busy seeing patients when Liu Fazhu entered her office, nervously wringing his hands. Tan Yang asked, “What’s wrong?” “Ning just called—she wants me to have dinner at her house tonight.” “Haven’t you been there before? Ning’s parents adore you!” “Her brother is back! Tonight, we’ll all eat together!” Tan Yang glanced at Liu Fazhu, puzzled, and handed a prescription to a child’s mother.

When Liu Fazhu saw Tan Yang wasn’t responding, he moved closer, “Yang, what time will Zhizhong arrive at the hospital? He’ll be here soon, right?” “He has something tonight, won’t come.” “What’s his phone number? Tell me!” “You won’t be able to reach him now; yesterday he said he’d be out training all day and night.” Liu Fazhu’s face turned pained, and he exclaimed, “Then Yang, you must come with me!” Tan Yang, exasperated, replied, “Your family dinner, you want me there? Are you so nervous as a future son-in-law?” With that, she called, “Next, please!” at the door.

Liu Fazhu forced himself downstairs, muttering, “Heaven is against me, heaven is against me!”

The next morning, as soon as she arrived at the hospital, Tan Yang heard earth-shattering news: the previous night at the Zhang house, Liu Fazhu had been beaten by Zhang Sheng and was now lying at home, unable to come to work.

At noon, overwhelmed at work, Tan Yang called the Zhang residence. She heard Zhang Ning sobbing hysterically on the phone, “The wedding is off. He’s treating me like a fool, they—they’re all conspiring to deceive me!”